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First Look: Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander
Since that time, I've discussed most of the new handguns debuting in 2017. The exception to that is the TALO-exclusive Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander, a lightweight, carry-friendly, Commander-style 1911 designed with input from respected gun writer Wiley Clapp.
Bone Up On Legendary Colt Firearms
In recent years, he's been collaborating with Colt on a line of 1911-style pistols bearing his name, and the new Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander is one of the latest designs he's contributed to. Clapp's motto of “Everything you need, nothing you don't,” shows up all over the page on Colt's website devoted to Clapp's namesake pistols, and this new Lightweight Commander definitely lives up to that credo.
As on some of Clapp's previous Colt 1911s, the sights on this Lightweight Commander consist of a Novak brass bead front sight and an extra-wide black rear notch for quicker target acquisition. Genuine Novak sights are widely viewed as some of the best in the business, and these were no exception. I generally prefer a bright fiber optic front sight, but I had absolutely no difficulty in acquiring and rapidly engaging the steel targets Colt had set up at the range with the bead/wide rear notch combo.
For more information on the Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander visit the Colt website, or check out the specifications below.
Specifications:
Colt Wiley Clapp Lightweight Commander
Type: Semi-auto, single action
Caliber: 9mm
Barrel: 4.25 in., polished stainless steel
Overall Length: 7.75 in.
Height: 5.5 in.
Width: 1.25 in.
Weight: 30 oz. (unloaded)
Frame: Aluminum alloy, black anodized
Slide: Blued carbon steel
Sights: Novak brass bead front, Novak black, extra-wide rear notch
Trigger: 4.5-6 lbs., solid aluminum
Grips: Oval with forward taper, fingerprint checkering, 25 LPI checkering front strap and mainspring housing
Capacity: 9+1
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